2013 Honda RC213V

Honda has taken the wraps off its 2013 RC213V MotoGP prototype race bike Spain, Madrid, to will be ridden by Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner's replacement, MotoGP debutant Marc Marquez.

The Honda race bike benefits from a handful of mechanical updates, including a revised twin-spar aluminium chassis designed to improve turn-in and make the 1000cc V4 engine's 230hp (169kW) more manageable while cornering.

Changes to the bike's front end should also deliver handling gains, with new Ohlins forks and shocks added.

Along with new carbon-fibre bodywork, smothered with updated livery (more white space, less advertising), the Honda RC213V gets updated carbon disc rotors from Brembo which operate best at temperate of around 400 degrees Celsius. New 16.5-inch wheels have also been added, slathered with 125/60 front and 190/65 rear Bridgestone race rubber.

Honda's thumping V4 engine has also been tweaked when compared to the 2012 mill, now slightly lighter, delivering lower internal friction levels and claimed to use less fuel.

Both Pedrosa and Marquez Madrid locals, making the unveiling of the Repsol-liveried bike a tight-knit affair in the Spanish capital.

The unveiling of the new bike was also attended by Repsol and Honda Racing Corporation top brass, and even Dorna CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, made an appearance, highlighting the team's importance to MotoGP.

Speaking at the launch, Dani Pedrosa said he was happy to see a new design and an updated bike, and can't wait to get his teeth stuck into testing at Sepang.

"We had run with the old design for a long time and I think that now is a good moment for a change. This year’s bike has a fresh touch to it, which can give us a boost at the races. I hope the fans like it too," he said.

"I can’t wait to get to Malaysia and have a few days to put the bike through its paces, enjoy myself and see which parts we are going to use for the opening race," added Pedrosa.

His baby-faced team mate, Marc Marquez, makes for an all-Spanish HRC team, and though the former Moto2 rider is new to the category, he says he's ready for action.
"I have really been looking forward to this moment," he said. "In the end, the important thing is what happens on the track, so I can’t wait for the Malaysia tests to start."

As the 2013 MotoGP season edges a little closer, beginning Sunday April 7 in Qatar at the Losail circuit, Honda will be hoping the new bike and it's new recruit will be able to dethrone Team Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo, who is the hot favourite to take out the MotoGP crown for a third time.

2013 Honda RC213V specifications
Overall length (mm)    2,052
Overall width (mm)    645
Overall height (mm)    1,110
Wheelbase (mm)    1,435
Road clearance    115
Weight (kg)    As per FIM regulations
Engine type    liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC 4 valve, V-4
Displacement    1000
Maximum power    Over 170 KW
Frame type    Aluminum twin-tube
Wheels Front (inch)    16.5
Wheels Rear (inch)    16.5
Suspension Front    Telescopic fork
Suspension Rear    Pro-link
Fuel tank capacity (litres)    21